Campaigners said last night that efforts to educate youngsters about STIs at an early age should be increased.

Dr Michael Brady, medical director at the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We still have much to do to address the nation’s poor sexual health and the rates of STIs in those most at risk.

"Young people are disproportionately affected by STIs.

"One of the reasons for this is that we still don’t provide every young person with comprehensive and appropriate Sex and Relationships Education (SRE).

“A reduction in STIs must be a public health priority and as a fundamental part of this, the Government needs to ensure every young person has access to effective SRE that gives them the knowledge and skills to enjoy health and safe sex lives.”

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WORRYING: STIs are on the rise across all age groups

Jules Hillier, head of the sexual health charity Brook, said: “Too many young people aren’t getting the information they need about sex and relationships from their schools, while sexual health clinics are under threat due to cuts.

“We need to invest in education and services for young people to help them stay safe and healthy.”

STIs are on the rise across all age groups. Since 2010 the number of people diagnosed with gonorrhoea has more than doubled from 16,843 to 34,958 in 2014.

Cases of syphilis have also nearly doubled, rising from 2,647 in 2010 to 4,317. Herpes has increased from 29,698 cases in 2010 to 31,777 in 2014.

But diagnoses of chlamydia fell slightly from 207,797 in 2012 to 206,774.